Dynamic Forecasting of Traffic Event Duration in Istanbul:A Classification Approach with Real-Time Data Integration

Today,urban traffic,growing populations,and dense transportation networks are contributing to an increase in traffic incidents.These incidents include traffic accidents,vehicle breakdowns,fires,and traffic disputes,resulting in long waiting times,high carbon emissions,and other undesirable situations.It is vital to estimate incident response times quickly and accurately after traffic incidents occur for the success of incident-related planning and response activities.This study presents a model for forecasting the traffic incident duration of traffic events with high precision.The proposed model goes through a 4-stage process using various features to predict the duration of four different traffic events and presents a feature reduction approach to enable real-time data collection and prediction.In the first stage,the dataset consisting of 24,431 data points and 75 variables is prepared by data collection,merging,missing data processing and data cleaning.In the second stage,models such as Decision Trees(DT),K-Nearest Neighbour(KNN),Random Forest(RF)and Support Vector Machines(SVM)are used and hyperparameter optimisation is performed with GridSearchCV.In the third stage,feature selection and reduction are performed and real-time data are used.In the last stage,model performance with 14 variables is evaluated with metrics such as accuracy,precision,recall,F1-score,MCC,confusion matrix and SHAP.The RF model outperforms other models with an accuracy of 98.5%.The study’s prediction results demonstrate that the proposed dynamic prediction model can achieve a high level of success.

Neoadjuvant intermediate-course versus long-course chemoradiotherapy in T3-4/N0+rectal cancer:Istanbul R-02 phase II randomized study

Radiation therapy(RT)is typically applied using one of two standard approaches for preoperative treatment of resectable locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC):short-course RT(SC-RT)alone or long-course RT(LC-RT)with concurrent fluorouracil(5-FU)chemotherapy.The Phase II single-arm KROG 11-02 study using intermediate-course(IC)(33 Gy(Gray)/10 fr(fraction)with concurrent capecitabine)preoperative chemoradiotherapy(CRT)demonstrated a pathologically complete response rate and a sphincter-sparing rate that were close to those of LC-CRT.The current trial aim to compare the pathological/oncological outcomes,toxicity,and quality of life results of LC-CRT and IC-CRT in cases of LARC.The prescribed dose was 33 Gy/10 fr for the IC-CRT group and 50.4 Gy/28 fr for the LC-CRT group.Concurrent chronomodulated capecitabine(Brunch regimen)1650 mg/m2/daily chemotherapy treatment was applied in both groups.The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Colorectal Cancer Module(EORTC QLQ-CR29)was administered at baseline and at three and six months after CRT.A total of 60 patients with LARC randomized to receive IC-CRT(n=30)or LC-CRT(n=30)were included in this phase II randomized trial.No significant difference was noted between groups in terms of pathological outcomes,including pathological response rates(ypT0N0-complete response:23.3%vs.16.7%,respectively,and ypT0-2N0-downstaging:50%for each;p=0.809)and Dworak score-based pathological tumor regression grade(Grade 4-complete response:23.3 vs.16.7%,p=0.839).The 5-year overall survival(73.3 vs.86.7%,p=0.173)rate was also similar.The acute radiation dermatitis(p<0.001)and any hematological toxicity(p=0.004)rates were significantly higher in the LC-CRT group,while no significant difference was noted between treatment groups in terms of baseline,third month,and sixth month EORTC QLQ-CR29 scores.

The Level of Knowledge, Behaviors, and Attitudes on Rational Use of Drugs of Patients Who Applied to the Family Health Center in Istanbul, Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This study, it was aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of patients who applied to a family health center about the rational use of drugs. Irrational use of drugs is a major problem worldwide. WHO reports that half of the patients do not use their drugs correctly. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 October 2017 and 30 November 2018 at Istanbul Fatih Family Health Center No 7. The sample size was determined as 301 people selected by systematic sampling method from patients aged 18 and older. Results: The mean age of the participants was 53.8% ± 16.8%, 59.8% were female, 62.5% were married, and 52.5% were primary school graduates. 63.9% of the participants knew the names of the drugs they used, and 79.9% of them knew the indication for use. 89% of individuals check the expiry date of the drugs before using them, and 83.1% read the drug prospectus. 84% of the participants support the prohibition of using over-the-counter drugs. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of the participants about the rational use of drugs is above the societal average. However, some issues need more awareness. The high level of rational use of drugs awareness of physicians and pharmacists will also strengthen the rational use of drugs and indirectly increase the awareness of the public.

Salinity Distribution at Canal Istanbul and Its Possible Impacts on the Northern Marmara Sea

Turkey has announced its plan to construct a new waterway, Canal Istanbul, parallel to the Bosphorus. In this study,the influence of Canal Istanbul on salinity distribution in the northern Marmara Sea is investigated using a previously calibrated 3 D hydrodynamic and salinity model. Moreover, the salinity field of the canal and its propagation are examined based on various meteorological cases. Finally, the flow structure of the canal is determined. It is calculated that at the southern end of the canal, mainly unidirectional flow(from the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea)occurs during 68% of the simulation period. A two-layer flow is seen only 28% of the time with a weak lower layer flow, whereas this value decreases to 4% at the north end of the canal. In the southward direction(to the Marmara Sea), velocities higher than 1.5 m/s are rarely observed along the canal. The average surface salinity difference in the northern Marmara Sea due to the construction of the canal is calculated to be smaller than 0.50 ppt. The salinity difference gradually diminishes as water depth increases and after 25 m(from the surface) almost no difference is observed.

Detection of Changes on Temperature and Precipitation Features in Istanbul(Turkey)

In this study, the changes in the data of Istanbul’s precipitation and temperature and the features of these changes were analyzed by different methods. In the analyses the daily precipitation and temperature data sets of Florya and Goztepe Meteorological Stations which have similar locational features were used. These sets were recorded between 1960 and 2013 (for 54 years). In order to emphasize the differentiations in the last 15 years the analyses were conducted comparatively both for the 15-year and for the 54-year periods and then the results were evaluated. The changes in the monthly, annual and seasonal quantity, type and frequency of the precipitation in the form of rain and the features of the temperature’s monthly, annual and seasonal changes, the De Martonne aridity index and the Thornthwaite climate classification were carried out. The results showed that during the years from 1999 to 2013 the climate type of Istanbul changed from semi-humid climate to arid and less-humid climate. Most notably the precipitation during the warm periods has decreased, but the frequency of the intense rain has increased and the majority of these episodes of intense rain coincided with the warm periods. Other determinations were the rise in the annual average temperature and the extension of the warm periods in a year. This differentiation of the temperature features can lead to the aggravation of the evaporation and it can be effective for a longer period during the year. Being aware of this differentiation in the features of precipitation and temperature and taking these data into consideration in all sorts of planning and managing strategies have a special importance for the 14 million or more people living in Istanbul.

Earthquake risk assessment for Istanbul metropolitan area

The impact of earthquakes in urban centers prone to disastrous earthquakes necessitates the analysis of associ- ated risk for rational formulation of contingency plans and mitigation strategies.In urban centers,the seismic risk is best quantified and portrayed through the preparation of'Earthquake Damage and Loss Scenarios.'The components of such scenarios are the assessment of the hazard,inventories and the vulnerabilities of elements at risk.For the development of the earthquake risk scenario in Istanbul,two independent approaches,one based on intensities and the second on spectral displacements,are utilized.This paper will present the important features of a comprehensive study,highlight the method- ology,discuss the results and provide insights to future developments.

Thinning effects on biomass and element concentrations of roots in adjacent hornbeam and oak stands in Istanbul,Turkey

Background:Thinning is a commonly used treatment in forest management which affects the tree root systems.The effects of thinning on element concentrations and seasonal change of roots were evaluated in adjacent oak(Quercus frainetto Ten.)and hornbeam(Carpinus betulus L.)stands according to the different root diameter classes.Method:Two replicated control and thinning plots(50m×50 m)were set for each species(hornbeam and oak).Thinning treatments(November 2010)reduced 50%of the basal area in both oak and hornbeam stands.Roots were assessed by seasonal collection over 2 years(from October 2010 to October 2012).The roots were then sorted into diameter classes of 0–2mm(fine roots),2–5mm(small roots)and>5mm(coarse roots).C,N,P,K,Ca,Na,Mg,S,Mn,Fe,Al,Zn,Pb,Ni,Cu and Cd were analyzed.Results:Except coarse roots,the highest root biomasses were determined in April-2011 in all plots.Fine-root biomass in oak was found significantly higher in control plots.In contrast to the oak,the fine-root biomass in the thinned hornbeam plots was higher than in the controls.The small-root biomass did not significantly differ between the thinned and the control plots in both oak and hornbeam stands.However,the coarse-root biomass showed significant differences between the control(1989 g∙m^(−2))and thinned plots(1060 g∙m^(−2))in oak,while no difference was detected in hornbeam.The concentrations of C,Al,Pb,Cd,Ni,Zn,Mn,Na,K,Mg and P in the fine roots of oak were significantly higher in the thinned plots.However,the concentration of Pb,Cd and Fe in the fine roots was significantly higher in the thinned plots of hornbeam.Significant differences were observed between the species for all elements in the fine roots except for C,N and P.In particular,elements in the fine roots tended to increase in July in the oak.In the hornbeam,all element concentrations in the fine roots(except C,N,and S)in the thinned plots showed a tendency to increase in April.The concentrations of Pb,Ni,Al,Fe,Cu,Ca,Na,K,Mg and P in the hornbeam control plots increased during the April 2011 period.Conclusion:The results indicated that thinning effects on temporal changes and concentrations of elements in the roots could be attributed to species-specific characteristics.

Restoration of an Ottoman Historical Building in Istanbul

Preservation of historical buildings is an important issue to save our cultural heritage is both a record of life and history.In recent years,the Turkish government starts urban transformation projects that include renewal and restoration of some historical buildings belongs to the Ottoman period.This paper presents the details of a restoration project of a historical building in Istanbul.The selected restoration and strengthening technique aim to save the original architectural fabric of the building that has been changed among the past decades.The building is used as a chest diseases clinic in Istanbul University hospital.The building was built at the late Ottoman period and composed of four building blocks.The structural system of the buildings is mainly unreinforced masonry walls.Seismic performance analysis results of the building before and after the proposed restoration scheme indicated that the resorted building is able to withstand future earthquakes safely.

Effect of Talus Deposit Excavations on Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Kuvars Spring Water, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey

Spring waters consumed for drinking purposes should be clean and quality. These waters with balanced mineral distribution, which do not contain organic substances, whose physical and chemical caharacteristics comply with certain quality parameters and which do not negatively affect human health are identified as healthy water. Kuvars water is a spring water which is pumped out from the draw well at the Camurluk stream basin of Maltepe province of Istanbul and filled into bottles. The Camurluk stream basin is approximately 4.5 km2. The Camurluk stream basin is sedimentary rocks and talus deposit outcrops. Reaching of trace elements, which is found more in the talus deposit samples than outcropping quartzarenite at the basin, to underground aquifer as ions under effect of rains, water rock interaction, leakage and filtration, is prevented by illite type clay levels existing within the talus deposit stack, which have upto 20 cm thickness. However, negative effects of the excavation that were made at the talus deposit reflect on the hydrologic cycle and chemical compositions of well waters. This effect was at first negatively affected the physical characteristics of the well waters. During the rainy periods, the water in the excavated area which was enriched with respect to the suspended sediments was percolated into the groundwaters from the joints and cracks of the quartzarenite. The turbidity value measured in the well waters of K2 and K3 were determined as 40.3 NTU and 34.2 NTU respectively. Although at the basin, the aquifer of underground water and the well waters being managed are quartzarenite, the fact that water types belonging to well waters differ (they are not same) according to the Piper diagram and when the heavy metal content of the water of well numbered KS1 is taken as basis, that some heavy metals such as Al3+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ and Cu2+ be enriched 3 to 40 times in KS2 and KS3 well waters, are caused by talus deposit—water interaction at the excavation area. After a rainfall, in the water that became turbid with the water-talus deposit interaction at the excavation area, the water-mineral interaction has caused the limit value for drinking water suggested by World Health Organization (WHO) to be exceeded with the Al3+ concentration of 189 ppb detected in KS2 well water and Fe2+ concentration of 185 ppb has caused to approach the drinking water limit value of 200 ppb permitted by World Health Organization (WHO), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European Union (EU) and Turkish Standards (TS). Therefore, at the water basins where bottled spring waters consumed for drinking purposes are produced, technical undertakings that shall disturb the stability of geological units should not be permitted.

Hematological profile of COVID-19 infected children before and after the spread of the Omicron variant in Istanbul

Objective:To examine the effect of the COVID-19 virus,especially the Omicron variant,on hematological parameters of hospitalized pediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:Medical records of pediatric COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Kartal Dr.Lütfi K?rdar City Hospital in Istanbul,Turkey,between March 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed to analyze data regarding demographics,SARS-Co V-2 infection polymerase chain reaction(PCR)test results,reversetranscriptase(RT)-PCR for other respiratory agents,duration of hospital stay,and hematological and biochemical laboratory findings.Results:Out of 467 children with a confirmed diagnosis of SARSCo V-2 infection,94(20.1%)had Omicron infection and 373(79.9%)were infected with other variants;the Omicron group had younger patients than the remaining samples(P<0.001).The most frequent clinical symptoms in all children were cough(53.5%)and fever(32.3%),followed by vomiting(20.8%).Lung involvement in the Omicron group(10.6%)was significantly lower than in the remaining samples(29.8%)(P<0.001).Hemoglobin and lymphocyte levels were lower in the Omicron-infected group(both P<0.001),while prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,international normalized ratio,and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in this group(P<0.001,P<0.001,P<0.001,and P=0.023,respectively).In terms of lung involvement,those with lung involvement were significantly older(P<0.001).Conclusions:Although lung involvement was less common with Omicron infection,this group had greater hematological system involvement,such as anemia,lymphopenia,D-dimer elevation,and coagulation disorders.

Determination of Istanbul geoid using GNSS/levelling and valley cross levelling data

The Istanbul GPS Triangulation Network(IGTN) and the Istanbul Levelling Network(ILN),established in2006,provide data for the determination of a local GNSS/levelling geoid model.These networks’ measurements were done separately on both the Asian and European sides of the Bosphorus Strait in the vicinity of Istanbul.To connect these regions for those networks,a Valley Cross Levelling(VCL) data set,acquired in 1986 and 2004,was used.The use of this VCL data set was challenging in calculating the Istanbul geoid model,primarily because of its errors.In this study,this challenge was overcome through newly collected VCL data in 2010,allowing for the readjustment of the ILN and the newly collected VCL data set.The Istanbul geoid model was computed using soft computing techniques including the adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system(ANFIS) and the artificial neural networks(ANNs).The resulting Istanbul GNSS/levelling geoid model is shown to be more reliable when compared with the model computed using conventional interpolation techniques.

Iab::Istanbul的设计实验

作为伊斯坦布尔当下最耀眼的新锐设计组合,Esra Sonmez Islek与Gurkan Islek从未限制过创作的领域,而两人对伊斯坦布尔却格外忠诚,他们的一切作品都与这座城市有关。

Gentrification Within the Law of Transformation of Areas at Disaster Risks in Turkey Sulukule,Istanbul Example

With coming in force of The Law of Transformation of Areas at Disaster Risks numbered 16.5.2012/6306 by Ministry of Environment and Urbanization,the concept of urban transformation has entered to our life in Turkey.Gentrification as one of the forms of urban transformation brought the existence of liberated zones produced by neo-liberal mentality.Sulukule area(Neslisah Sultan settlement)which is subject to research is counted among“the areas to be renewed and to be put under preservation”by numbered 2006/10299 decision of Council of Ministers.Due to the shortage of lands in the city,it is observed especially in 1980s that the families in high-income group have preferred to live in horizontally expending villa towns far from the center.While these residential areas are deepening the distance from the center in time,the pressure of housing demand of middle-income people and rent circles who are not planning to leave the city center caused to have an eye on these areas which are residential areas of mostly low-income people and appeared in certain regions as they are established without infrastructure and healthy conditions.With this law,the transformation has started in the areas such as Fikirtepe,Dolapdere,Esenler,and Banks of Halic(Golden Horn)where structural life is completed,and floor area ratio has been raised to 4.0 from 2.07.Vertical housing is stimulated by adding the street between the parcels to the blocks,it has been tried to prevent the victimization of local people to unearned income.There are some quarters that,under the name of gentrification,Romany citizens who passed to permanent settlement from nomadic culture at the Ottoman era,and who are engaged in activities such as handicraft,adornments,shoe making,weaving beside the show business at Fatih Sulukule district are convicted to lodge in the houses built in suburban if they have title deed,and in jerry-built tents if they don’t have deed.Chamber of Architects,Chamber of City Planners Istanbul Branch and Roma Culture Development and Solidarity Association filed“nullity suit”and“stay of execution”.Despite the continuing judicial process,the demolition started in 2009,and starting the constructing the villas in 2010 breaking the resistance of Romany citizens,the area was victimized to rent.